10 most endangered animal species in the world

With the human population growing at an alarming rate, the balance between nature and man is at an all time risk. Humans are on the top of the food chain, to enhance their way of living, they have over expanded their living space and over utilized the resources provided to them, so much so that they stepped quite brazenly into the natural habitats of animals. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization and agriculture have drastically contributed to the deterioration of their natural habitat. The extinction of plants and animals are at an all time high, and it is necessary that we understand the consequences of our superfluidity. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list, currently there are more than 1,63,000 species on the list, with more than 45,300 at the risk of extinction.

Here is a list of 10 most endangered animals in the world.

​With only 76 of them left, Javan Rhinos have declined due to aggressive hunting and habitat loss. Once these rhinos resided through the whole of northeast India and southeast Asia, now they can only be found in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. The rhinos even here are at a threat due to poaching incidents, natural calamities and inbreeding.

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​Hunted for their beautiful spotted fur, they are one of the endangered animals. Been reduced to just 100 individuals, these rare cat species can only be found in far east Russia and north eastern China. Their number dwindled to fewer than 30 in 1970’s but extensive conservation work has brought their number to 100.

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​Also called the Sumatran tiger, are a critically endangered species with its population of 600 individuals confined to the Sumatra islands. While the human population in the south east has increased exponentially, the tiger population has seen a sharp decline. This decline is majorly due to habitat loss and conflict between humans and tigers. These tigers are hunted for their fur, teeth and whiskers, which are highly sought after decorative items in China.


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With just about 1000 Mountain Gorillas left on the planet, these species are one of the most endangered species. These gorillas live atop volcanic slopes of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. These gorillas face constant threat of habitat loss, their habitats have been destroyed by agriculture, mining and destruction of forests for charcoal production.

Tapanuli Orangutan is a critically endangered species of great ape. They are a new species described as distinct only in 2017 These Orangutans are only found in the Batang Toru ecosystem on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Their decline is attributed to habitat loss and industrial development in the area.

​Currently residing in Yangtze River of China, the largest river in Asia, these dolphins, known for their mischievous smile, are one of the critically endangered species. Finless Porpoise have reduced in numbers due to overfishing, collision with boats and pollution in Yangtze river.


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​Black Rhinos became an easy target for European hunters and settlers, the result of which is that their number has reduced to mere a little over 5000. Only three subspecies of Black Rhinos survived, with one going extinct in 2011. They are poached extensively for their horns that are in huge demand in black markets.


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​According to an IUCN report, the number of African elephant numbers across the continent fell by more than 86% in the past 31 years. They are mainly based in Central Africa, where the problem of poaching is intense. These African Forest Elephants are hunted mainly for their tuskers.


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​The IUCN list has recognised these Orangutans as ‘critically endangered’ with only 14,000 left across the world. About 90% of Sumatran Orangutans live in the Leuser ecosystem, a unique landscape of rainforests, rivers and peatlands. The main causes of habitat loss include mining, logging and agriculture.


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​Hawksbill Turtles are highly migratory and are found throughout tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian ocean. Tortoise shells have always been prized by humans. And according to the IUCN list millions have been killed for tortoiseshell trade. They have declined to just 23,000 in total around the world.


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